Admission to the MSN Program is competitive and enrollment is limited. The MSN Program offers two tracks, the primary care nurse practitioner track or the nurse educator track. Students on the primary care NP track may also choose the dual option in which the nurse educator courses would be added to the plan of study as a graduate certificate. Applicants interested in the dual option should apply to the MSN primary care NP program only and if accepted into the program should then notify the Administrator of Academic Programs at jlr0012@auburn.edu that they would like to be on the dual option plan of study. 

Full-time students are admitted in summer semester only and part-time students are admitted in summer, fall, or spring. Full-time NP students can complete their plan of study in six semesters. Full-time nurse educator students can complete their plan of study in three semesters. Part-time program completion time will vary based on required pre-requisites, how part-time is, and which part-time option the student chooses. 

Upon successful completion of the MSN PCNP Program, graduates will sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam. 

No GRE is required to apply to the MSN Program. 

*** Out of state applicants should contact the Administrator of Academic Programs at jlr0012@auburn.edu or the MSN Coordinator at rls0080@auburn.edu regarding the availability of clinicals within their state.  

• Summer Semester Admission - March 1 deadline (full-time or part-time admission)
• Fall Semester Admission- June 1 deadline (part-time admission only)
• Spring Semester Admission - October 1 deadline (part-time admission only)
  

• Have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited Nursing program or approved waiver request (see College of Nursing Specific Admission and Progression below).
• Possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States in the state in which you plan to participate in any clinical experience.  *** Out of state applicants should contact the Administrator of Academic Programs at jlr0012@auburn.edu or the MSN Coordinator at rls0080@auburn.edu regarding the availability of clinicals within their state. ***
• Have earned a minimum Nursing GPA of 3.0 (ADN, if applicable, and BSN nursing courses used to calculate nursing GPA).
• Must have good academic standing from the last university you attended.
• Must have successfully completed (C or better) an undergraduate statistics course.
• Provide three professional references for the online recommendation form. References must use the online form. Letters will not be reviewed. References should be qualified to judge your abilities to be successful in graduate studies. 

• Submit a Professional Goal Statement of approximately 500 words. This statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree and program option, past experience, career goals, and past achievements. The statement will be uploaded with your application in Apply Yourself.
• Submit all official transcripts to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849. Transcripts sent to the College of Nursing will not be forwarded.
• Provide a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
• Complete an interview via telephone, on campus, or videoconference, if required. 

Applicants must meet all criteria listed in the current Auburn University Graduate School bulletin and must meet all College of Nursing admission criteria. Applicants may be admitted under fully approved status, or under provisional or exception status. Approved admissions meet all the criteria listed for the Graduate School and any additional criteria for the department, school, or college. Provisional or exception status admission could possibly be granted for students who do not meet certain requirements for admission. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception will be fully admitted to the nursing graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been satisfied. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time period will be dismissed from the Nursing Graduate Program.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

• Applicants that meet all criteria (completed application and meet all above requirements) will be considered for approved admission.
• If applicant is currently a student in last semester of a BSN program (at time of application), the applicant must submit a request for waiver of the BSN and unencumbered RN license admission requirements to Mrs. Jennifer Edwards, Academic Programs Administrator, at   jlr0012@auburn.edu for approval by the Graduate Admissions, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee. If waiver request is approved and applicant is admitted, the student must complete the BSN in good standing prior to enrollment and must obtain the RN license during the first semester of study. These applicants will be admitted under the exception status until the RN license is obtained. An official transcript indicating completion of the BSN must be submitted directly to the Graduate School and documentation of RN license must be submitted to AU College of Nursing before the student will be a fully approved admission. If a waiver is obtained, these applicants will be considered based on the nursing GPA on their current transcripts.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under an exception status for certain circumstances.  Applicants admitted under the exception status will be fully admitted to the graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been met. Students admitted under the exception status who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time will be dismissed from the graduate program.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under provisional status, if otherwise qualified, if the MSN nursing GPA is less than 3.0 on 4.0 scale. 
• Once the student has completed 9 hours of graduate credit with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, the provisional status will be removed. Failure to meet the requirement as stated will prevent progression in the College of Nursing graduate program.
• The Professional Goal Statement will be evaluated using a rubric developed by the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee. Each statement will be evaluated by 2 graduate faculty members. Applicants to the PCNP track will have at least one NP faculty member evaluate the goal statement.
• Students must complete the letter of intent form sent by the AU College of Nursing, accept enrollment from the Graduate School by logging back into their application, and meet all compliance requirements by the deadline indicated on the offer at admission, or their seat may be given to another applicant.
• Students are required to provide compliance documentation and must complete a background check and drug screen. All compliance documentation, background check, drug screen, and any requirements by Auburn University and/or College of Nursing must be completed by the deadline indicated, prior to course registration.
• To progress through the program, all AU College of Nursing graduate students must receive a grade no less than "B" in all courses. Students earning any two course grades of less than a "B" will be dismissed from the graduate program.

For additional information or questions contact:

Jennifer Edwards

Administrator, Graduate Academic Programs

AU College of Nursing Graduate Programs

jlr0012@auburn.edu

or

Dr. Rachael Sweeney

MSN NP Coordinator and Assistant Clinical Professor

AU College of Nursing 

rls0080@auburn.edu 

Tuition and fees are the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents. The AU College of Nursing graduate program tuition is $612 per credit hour. An additional $200 professional fee will be charged for course NURS 7110. An additional $300 per course professional fee will be charged for courses NURS 7330, NURS 7440, NURS 7550, and NURS 7920.

Effective Summer (May) Semester 2025, clinical course fees will increase. The fees per clinical course will be as follows:

• NURS 7110: $600 one time clinical course fee
• NURS 7330: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7440: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7550: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7920: $600 one-time clinical course fee

Other fees may be incurred prior to enrollment and/or as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, liability insurance, and course specific requirements.

Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.

Applicants will apply through the Graduate School Application Instructions.

***Any applicant interested in the dual option must apply for the MSN NP degree program. If accepted into the program, the student would then request to add the dual option by emailing Jennifer Edwards at  jlr0012@auburn.edu .

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

1. Apply through the Graduate School Application
2. Graduate School Information for Applicants and Prospective Students
3. All items listed below need to be uploaded with your application:
   • Request all transcripts from every college attended to be sent directly to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall Auburn University, AL 36849. Do not send transcripts to the College of Nursing.
   • Three professional references for online recommendation form – Choose the online option within your application. Letters will not be reviewed.
   • Professional Resume (uploaded with your application)
   • Unencumbered registered nursing license (must be located within the United States and proof of licensure uploaded with application)
   • Professional Goal Statement - This 500 word statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree and program option, past experiences, career goals and past achievements. Keep this at a 500 word maximum.
4. The College of Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reviews all completed applications. You will receive an email from the College of Nursing notifying you of the admission decision which will include a letter of intent. The letter of intent should be returned by the deadline specified in the email.
5. The College of Nursing will notify the Graduate School regarding admissions decisions. The Graduate School will then notify you of that admission decision. You must log into your application and accept or decline enrollment. If you decline, the Graduate School will withdraw your application. The acceptance information from the Graduate School will include your Banner ID number as well as information needed to set up your AU email address. Auburn email is the official method of communication once you accept enrollment and we will not use any other email address.
6. Once you have returned the College of Nursing Letter of Intent and accepted enrollment into the Graduate School, the College of Nursing will email you instructions for your next steps and compliance requirements. All requirements must be completed prior to course registration. 

The purpose of the post-graduate certificate is to provide an educational route for a different specialization for nurses who already hold a Master's degree in nursing. The program is designed to strengthen or broaden the clinical management capabilities of graduate-level prepared nurses who are planning a role expansion or role change. There are two options offered: post-graduate primary care nurse practitioner certificate or post-graduate nurse educator certificate.

Upon successful completion of the MSN PCNP Program, graduates will sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam. 

No GRE is required for the post-graduate certificate.

*** Out of state applicants should contact the Administrator of Academic Programs at jlr0012@auburn.edu or the MSN Coordinator at rls0080@auburn.edu regarding the availability of clinicals within their state. 

•  Summer Semester Admission Only - March 1 deadline (full-time admission only)
  

• Have earned a Masters of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) or Masters in Nursing (MN or MS) from an accredited nursing program.
• Possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States from the state in which you plan to participate in any clinical experience.  *** Out of state applicants should contact the Administrator of Academic Programs at jlr0012@auburn.edu or the MSN Coordinator at rls0080@auburn.edu regarding the availability of clinicals within their state. ***
• Have earned a minimum Nursing GPA of 3.0 from an accredited MSN, MN, or MS Program (MSN, MN, and MS Nursing courses used to calculate Nursing GPA).
• Must have good academic standing from the last university you attended.
• Must have successfully completed Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment with a minimum of 3.0 within the last 5 years.
• Must have successfully completed (C or better) an undergraduate statistics course.
• Provide three professional references for the online recommendation form. References must use the online form. Letters will not be reviewed. References should be qualified to judge your abilities to be successful in graduate studies. 

• Must have a minimum of 1-year clinical experience.
• Submit a Professional Goal Statement of approximately 500 words. This statement will include reasons for pursuing this certificate and program option, past experience, career goals, and past achievements. The statement will be uploaded with your application in Apply Yourself.
• Submit all official transcripts to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849. Transcripts sent to the College of Nursing will not be forwarded.
• Provide a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. 
• Complete an interview via telephone, on campus, or videoconference, if required. 

Applicants must meet all criteria listed in the current Auburn University Graduate School bulletin and must meet all College of Nursing admission criteria. Applicants may be admitted under fully approved status, or under provisional or exception status. Approved admissions meet all the criteria listed for the Graduate School and any additional criteria for the department, school, or college. Provisional or exception status admission could possibly be granted for applicants who do not meet certain requirements for admission. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception will be fully admitted to the nursing graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been satisfied. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time period will be dismissed from the nursing graduate program.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

• Applicants that meet all criteria (completed application and meet all above requirements) will be considered for approved admission.
• If applicant is currently a student in last semester of a MSN program (at time of application) but is expected to have earned the MSN degree prior to the start of the program, the applicant is allowed to apply for the graduate certificate and must submit a waiver request to Mrs. Jennifer Edwards, Academic Programs Administrator at  jlr0012@auburn.edu for approval by the Graduate APG (Admissions, Progression, Graduation) Committee requesting a waiver of the MSN degree requirement. If the waiver request is approved and applicant is accepted into the program, the student must obtain the MSN degree in good standing prior to the first semester enrollment and must obtain the NP certification (if applicable) during the first semester of study. These applicants will be admitted under the exception status until required documentation is provided. An official transcript indicating completion of the MSN degree program must be submitted directly to the Graduate School and documentation of NP certification must be submitted to AU College of Nursing before the student is considered a fully approved admission. If a waiver is obtained, these applicants will be considered based on the nursing GPA on their current MSN transcript.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under provisional status, if otherwise qualified, if the MSN nursing GPA is less than 3.0 on 4.0 scale. Admission of an applicant under provisional status is determined by the AU College of Nursing Graduate APG (Admission, Progression, Graduation) Committee on an individual basis. Once the student has completed 9 hours of graduate credit with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, the provisional status will be removed. Failure to meet the requirement as stated will prevent progression in the College of Nursing graduate program.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under an exception status for certain circumstances.  Applicants admitted under the exception status will be fully admitted to the graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been met. Students admitted under the exception status who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time will be dismissed from the graduate program.
• The Professional Goal Statement will be evaluated using a rubric developed by the AU College of Nursing Graduate APG (Admission, Progression, and Graduation) Committee. Each statement will be evaluated by 2 graduate faculty members. Applicants to the PCNP track will have at least one NP faculty member evaluate the goal statement.
• Students must complete the Letter of Intent form sent by the AU College of Nursing, accept enrollment from the Graduate School by logging back into their application, and meet all compliance requirements by the deadline indicated on the offer at admission, or their seat may be given to another applicant.
• Students are required to provide compliance documentation and must complete a background check and drug screen. All compliance documentation, background check, drug screen, and any requirements by Auburn University and/or College of Nursing must be completed by the deadline indicated, prior to registering for courses.
• To progress through the program, all AU College of Nursing graduate students must receive a grade no less than "B" in all courses. Students earning any two course grades of less than a "B" will be dismissed from the graduate program.

For additional information or questions contact:

Jennifer Edwards

Administrator, Graduate Academic Programs

AU College of Nursing Graduate Programs

jlr0012@auburn.edu

or 

Dr. Rachael Sweeney

MSN NP Coordinator & Assistant Clinical Professor

AU College of Nursing 

rls0080@auburn.edu 

The AU College of Nursing Graduate Program tuition is $612 per credit hour. An additional $300 per course professional fee will be charged for courses NURS 7330, NURS 7440, NURS 7550, and NURS 7920.  Tuition and fees are the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents.

Effective Summer (May) Semester 2025, clinical course fees will increase. The fees per clinical course will be as follows:

• NURS 7110: $600 one time clinical course fee
• NURS 7330: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7440: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7550: $600 one-time clinical course fee
• NURS 7920: $600 one-time clinical course fee

Other fees may be incurred prior to enrollment and/or as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, liability insurance, and course specific requirements.

Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.

Applicants will apply through the Graduate School Application Instructions.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

The DNP Program prepares nursing graduate students to assume leadership roles in system-based approaches designed to promote quality, safety, and excellence in nursing practice. Your evidence-based practice doctoral education will prepare you to address health disparities and improve population healthcare outcomes, and prepares you to incorporate scientific, theoretical, and ethical principles into quality healthcare for individuals, families, and populations. You will lead efforts in health promotion and disease prevention to improve the health populations in rural and urban settings, providing leadership in healthcare delivery and organizational systems. 

Admission to the DNP Program is competitive and enrollment is limited. DNP students are admitted in summer semester only. Full-time DNP students can complete their plan of study in five semesters. 

No GRE is required for the DNP Program. 

• Summer Semester Admission Only - March 1 deadline (full-time admission) 

• Have earned a minimum of a Masters of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited Nursing Program.
• Possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States in the state in which you plan to participate in any clinical experiences.
• Possess national certification and recognition or licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the state in which you practice.
• Have earned a minimum Nursing GPA of 3.0 in Masters in Nursing Program (MSN Nursing courses will be used to calculate Nursing GPA).
• Must have good academic standing from the last university you attended.
• Provide three professional references for the online recommendation form. References must use the online form. Letters will not be reviewed. References should be qualified to judge your abilities to be successful in graduate studies. 
• Submit a Professional Goal Statement of approximately 500 words. This statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree program option, past experience, career goals, and past achievements. The statement will be uploaded with your application in Apply Yourself.
• Submit all official transcripts to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn, AL 36849. Transcripts sent to College of Nursing will not be forwarded.
• Provide a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
• Complete an interview via telephone, on campus, or videoconference, if required. 

Applicants must meet all criteria listed in the current Auburn University Graduate School bulletin and must meet all College of Nursing admission criteria. Applicants may be admitted under fully approved status, or under provisional or exception status. Approved admissions meet all the criteria listed for the Graduate School and any additional criteria for the department, school, or college. Provisional or exception status admission could possibly be granted for applicants who do not meet certain requirements for admission. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception will be fully admitted to the nursing graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been satisfied. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time period will be dismissed from the nursing graduate program.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

• Applicants that meet all criteria (completed application and meet all above requirements) will be considered for approved admission.
• If applicant is currently a student in last semester of a MSN NP Program (at time of application), the applicant must submit a request for waiver of the MSN and NP Certification admission requirements to Mrs. Jennifer Edwards, Academic Programs Administrator, at  jlr0012@auburn.edu  for approval by the Graduate Admissions, Progression and Graduation (APG) Committee. If waiver request is approved and applicant is admitted, the student must obtain the MSN NP degree in good standing prior to enrollment and must obtain the NP Certification during the first semester of study. These applicants will be admitted under the exception status until the NP Certification is obtained. An official transcript indicating completion of the MSN degree must be submitted directly to the Graduate School and documentation of NP Certification must be submitted to AU College of Nursing before the student will be a fully approved admission. If a waiver is obtained, these applicants will be considered based on the Nursing GPA on their current MSN transcript.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under an exception status for certain circumstances.  Applicants admitted under the exception status will be fully admitted to the Graduate Program only when all requirements for admission have been met. Students admitted under the exception status who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time will be dismissed from the Graduate Program.
• Applicants may possibly be admitted under provisional status, if otherwise qualified, if the MSN nursing GPA is less than 3.0 on 4.0 scale. 
• Once the student has completed 9 hours of graduate credit with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, the provisional status will be removed. Failure to meet the requirement as stated will prevent progression in the College of Nursing Graduate Program.
• The Professional Goal Statement will be evaluated using a rubric developed by the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee. Each statement will be evaluated by 2 graduate faculty members. Applicants to the DNP Program will have at least one DNP faculty member evaluate the goal statement.
• Students must complete the Letter of Intent form sent by the AU College of Nursing, accept enrollment from the Graduate School by logging back into their application, and meet all compliance requirements by the deadline indicated on the offer at admission, or their seat may be given to another applicant.
• Students are required to provide compliance documentation and must complete a background check and drug screen. All compliance documentation, background check, drug screen, and any requirements by Auburn University and/or College of Nursing must be completed by the deadline indicated, prior to registering for courses.
• To progress through the program, all AU College of Nursing graduate students must receive a grade no less than "B" in all courses. Students earning any two course grades of less than a "B" will be dismissed from the Graduate Program.

For additional information or to discuss any specific aspect of the program or admission requirements contact:

Ellee Howell, PhD, RN

DNP Coordinator

Auburn University College of Nursing

(334) 844-6756

evh0004@auburn.edu

or

Jennifer Edwards

Administrator, Graduate Academic Programs

AU College of Nursing Graduate Programs

jlr0012@auburn.edu

Tuition is the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents. The AU College of Nursing Graduate Program Tuition is $612 per credit hour. 

Other fees may be incurred prior to enrollment and/or as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, liability insurance, and course specific requirements.

Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.

Applicants will apply through the Graduate School Application Instructions.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

1. Apply through the  Graduate School Application
2. Graduate School Information for Applicants and Prospective Students
3. All items listed below need to be uploaded with your application:
   • Request all transcripts from every college attended to be sent directly to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall Auburn University, AL 36849. Do not send transcripts to the College of Nursing.
   • Three professional references for online recommendation form – Choose the online option within your application. Letters will not be reviewed.
   • Professional Resume (uploaded with your application)
   • Unencumbered registered nursing license (must be located within the United States and proof of licensure uploaded with application)
   • Professional Goal Statement - This 500 word statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree and program option, past experiences, career goals and past achievements. Keep this at a 500 word maximum.
4. The College of Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reviews all completed applications. You will receive an email from the College of Nursing notifying you of the admission decision which will include a letter of intent. The letter of intent should be returned by the deadline specified in the email.
5. The College of Nursing will notify the Graduate School regarding admissions decisions. The Graduate School will then notify you of that admission decision. You must log into your application and accept or decline enrollment. If you decline, the Graduate School will withdraw your application. The acceptance information from the Graduate School will include your banner ID number as well as information needed to set up your AU email address. Auburn email is the official method of communication once you accept enrollment and we will not use any other email address.
6. Once you have returned the College of Nursing Letter of Intent and accepted enrollment into the Graduate School, the College of Nursing will email you instructions for your next steps and compliance requirements. All requirements must be completed prior to course registration. 

PhD graduates will provide leadership to the nursing profession: preparing new generations of professionals, expanding healthcare excellence in their communities and globally, driving innovative research and scientific advancement, and exploring new technologies and programs to create lasting health and wellness.  

PhD students are admitted in fall semester only. We offer two pathways, MSN-PhD or DNP-PhD. Full-time PhD students can complete their plan of study in nine semesters. 

• Fall Semester Admission Only - June 1 deadline (full-time admission)

Applicants must meet all criteria listed in the current Auburn University Graduate School Bulletin and must meet all College of Nursing admission criteria. Applicants may be admitted under fully approved status, or under provisional or exception status. Approved admissions meet all the criteria listed for the Graduate School and any additional criteria for the department, school, or college. Provisional or exception status admission may be granted for students who do not meet certain requirements for admission. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception will be fully admitted to the nursing graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been satisfied. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time period will be dismissed from the nursing graduate program.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

Role of Doctoral Student

Being a doctoral student differs from being an undergraduate or master's student in many important ways.  The doctoral student pursues a terminal degree.  As you plan, navigate, and revisit your personal objectives for the doctoral study, you must keep in mind the word professionalism.  You are now in a PhD program preparing you to be a leader in nursing.  Your doctoral education will provide you with the ability to demonstrate ethical choices based on high moral and ethical principles, as well as the values and professional practices that are implicit in nursing decisions.  Your doctoral education will also prepare you to consider community stewardship, equity, social justice, and accountability in all your professional actions and require you to commit to personal, institutional, and professional development.

You will be expected to actively invest your time in the pursuit of research and scholarly products while being an involved member of the academic community.  Taking the initiative is extremely important and how much you gain from your doctoral education will depend largely on how much you invest in it.  The faculty will teach, guide, mentor, and coach you to support your success in the PhD program, but much of the transition will be up to you.

Continuation Requirements:

All PhD students must take and pass a comprehensive examination before commencing their dissertation research. The PhD comprehensive examination can be taken once the student has completed at least 28 credit hours of PhD course work. The program will have an established pathway to degree completion. 

For additional information or to discuss any specific aspect of the program or admission requirements contact:

Ellee Howell, PhD, RN

PhD Coordinator

Auburn University College of Nursing

(334) 844-6756

evh0004@auburn.edu

or

Jennifer Edwards

Administrator, Graduate Academic Programs

Auburn University College of Nursing Graduate Programs

jlr0012@auburn.edu  

Tuition is the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents. The AU College of Nursing Graduate Program Tuition is $612 per credit hour.

Other fees may be incurred prior to enrollment and/or as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, liability insurance, and course specific requirements.

Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.

Applicants will apply through the Graduate School Application Instructions.

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.

1. Apply through the  Graduate School Application
2. Graduate School Information for Applicants and Prospective Students
3. All items listed below need to be uploaded with your application:
   • Request all transcripts from every college attended to be sent directly to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall Auburn University, AL 36849. Do not send transcripts to the College of Nursing.
   • Three professional references for recommendation form – Choose the online option within your application. Letters will not be reviewed.
   • Professional Resume (uploaded with your application)
   • Unencumbered registered nursing license (must be located within the United States and proof of licensure uploaded with application)
   • Professional Goal Statement - This 750-1000 words statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree and program option, past experiences, career goals and past achievements. 
4. The College of Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reviews all completed applications. You will receive an email from the College of Nursing notifying you of the admission decision which will include a letter of intent. The letter of intent should be returned by the deadline specified in the email.
5. The College of Nursing will notify the Graduate School regarding admissions decisions. The Graduate School will then notify you of that admission decision. You must log into your application and accept or decline enrollment. If you decline, the Graduate School will withdraw your application. The acceptance information from the Graduate School will include your banner ID number as well as information needed to set up your AU email address. Auburn email is the official method of communication once you accept enrollment and we will not use any other email address.
6. Once you have returned the College of Nursing letter of intent and accepted enrollment into the Graduate School, the College of Nursing will email you instructions for your next steps  and compliance requirements. All requirements must be completed prior to course registration.